On 13 November, forces from the European Union’s naval operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI inspected the tanker MV MIDAG in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel is suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet.
This was reported by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on X.
“On 13 November, EU forces from Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI boarded a tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet. The inspection of the MV MIDAG, carried out in accordance with Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, confirmed that it was sailing under a false flag,” Kallas said.
Kallas stressed that the European Union will continue to counter Russia’s shadow fleet both at sea and through diplomatic means.
EU forces from @EUNAVFOR_MED IRINI boarded a suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean on 13 November. The boarding, conducted under Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, confirmed the MV MIDAG was sailing under a false flag. The EU will keep disrupting Russia’s shadow fleet at sea and through diplomatic means. On Monday, EU Foreign Ministers are set to approve new Russia sanctions listings, including on banks, buyers and companies supporting the shadow fleet.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) November 15, 2026
She also said that on 16 November, EU foreign ministers are due to approve new sanctions lists against Russia. The restrictions will, in particular, apply to banks, buyers of Russian oil, and companies that support the operation of the shadow fleet.
At the same time, the issue of a complete ban on providing services to tankers in Russia’s shadow fleet remains open due to the lack of agreement among all EU member states.